![An American Flag, seen often with McCain and other senators. [Image via Free-Photos - Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/8/27/660x290/b_502x220x82/an-american-flag-seen-often-with-mccain-and-other-senators-image-via-free-photos-pixabay_2082509.jpg "An American Flag, seen often with McCain and other senators. [Image via Free-Photos - Pixabay]")
As the country continues to mourn the death of John McCain, the process of moving forward has also begun. Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona is expected to announce who he would appoint to McCain's U.S. Senate seat soon - most likely after McCain's funeral. ABC reports that the new senator must be a Republican, as it was McCain's political party. It almost certainly would have been anyway, as it is also Ducey's party. The seat will be up for an early election in 2020 followed by its regularly scheduled election in 2022.
Established political figures among the contenders
Should Martha McSally be unsuccessful in her race for Jeff Flake's seat, she could be an easy compromise choice. McSally has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015. Like McCain, she is a retired high-ranking military pilot. Similarly, it could happen with one of her opponents, the controversial former state senator, Kelli Ward.
The other Republican members of Arizona's House delegation also have a chance. They are Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, David Schweikert, and Debbie Lesko. Two former representatives, John Shadegg and Matt Salmon, were also brought up as potential picks. In addition, former Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl's name has been mentioned.
Kyl previously represented the state in the Senate for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2013.
Some people speculated that Ducey could appoint himself to the position, but he ruled himself out. His chief of staff and former state legislator, Kirk Adams, is also a possibility, as is state treasurer Eileen Klein. Lesser-known possibilities include Barbara Barrett and Karrin Taylor Robson.
Barrett is a former U.S. Ambassador to Finland. Robson was appointed to the Arizona Board of Regents in 2017.
Would-be political newcomers under possible consideration
The most eye-popping name to be mentioned among possible choices is likely Alice Cooper (real name Vincent Furnier). The rocker is a long-time Arizona resident and a Republican supporter.
Much like McCain, he was also a prominent critic of Donald Trump.
According to CBS, McCain's widow, Cindy, is a possibility. Widows have been appointed to the husband's seats numerous times in American politics. Among them have been Muriel Humphrey. She appointed to fill the Senate vacancy left by her husband, former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Though Cindy McCain was seen many times with her husband on the campaign trail, she has never personally run for office.
